HOMILY FOR THURSAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF ADVENT

Homily for Thursday of the 4th week of Advent

1Samuel 1:24-28; LK 1:46-56

Dearest friends in Christ, the liturgy of the word presents to us today, two great personalities (Hannah and Mary) that instruct us on the essence of gratitude. The need for us to be appreciative and thankful to God for his benevolence in our lives. The need for us to be faithful to our promises before God, for he is always faithful. The need for us to render praise and glory to God at all times for his greatness in our lives. 

In the first reading of today, Hannah fulfilled the promise she made to the Lord. We are told: "when Hannah had weaned the infant Samuel...she brought him to the temple of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was with them... She said to Eli 'Oh, my Lord! As you live, my Lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your prsence, praying to the Lord. For the child I prayed; and the Lord had granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord" (1 Sam 1:26-28). 

In the Gospel reading, after the mystical annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel, she set out to the home of Elizabeth, where she stayed for 3 months. The Gospel revelas to us the words of exaltation of Mary in gratitude to God for the gift of holiness, motherhood, for having freed her from every kind of evil, from sin and evil inclunations. This is what is known as the 'Magnificat' of Mary: "My soul magnifies the Lord" (LK 1:46).

Dearest brothers and sister in Christ, there would have been no Samuel but for the prayers of Hannah and the sacrifice she made in offering her child to the Lord. If she decided not to fulfil her promise to God, probably there 2oyld have been any Samuel.  For in the book of Sirach we read: "Samuel  was beloved by the Lord, a prophet of the Lord, established the kingdom and anointed rulers over his people. By the law of the Lord he judged the congregations, and the Lord watched over Jacob..." (Sir 46:13-20). Hannah, in submitting the child to the Lord, with faith believe that God will "guard the feet of his faithful ones" (1Sam 2:9). 

When we make promises to God, let us be honourable enough to fulfil them. Let us be people of our words, men and women of integrity. The new year is fast approaching, so many promises will be made to the Lord. How disposed are we to fulfil them?

Parents, realizimg that God is the giver of all good gifts, must welcome and respect with joy and thanksgiving the Lord's call to any of their children to the vocation of consecrated life and priesthood. They must not dissuade them.

The church remains grateful to parents who offer their children to God, in religious or priestly life. Their gift is the church's treasure.

Just like Mary, mindful of her low estate gave exaltation to the Lord, each one of us must give glory to the Lord. Our entire life should render glory to God. The Mighty had done great things for me, Holy is his name" (LK 1:49)

As Mary became the handmaid of the Lord, we too are called to the service of redemption and salvation, not withstanding our inadequacy. Beloved in Christ the salvation of humanity is eminently divine work, for it surpasses the limits and possibilities of human powers. Hence, we must accept and collaborate in service with the plan and purposes of God at all times. 

We pray that God will continue to intervene in human history. Continue to wipe away our tears and sorrows and bring us joy and fulfilment. May God intervene in your respective challenges and grant your victory and fruitfulness. Amen

Have a blessed day

Fr Remi Osj